Tips to help protect your business from hackers

9 Aug 2017

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How to increase the security of your business against cyber attacks.

In recent years, the threat of malware has become a hot topic of conversation. Most recently the conversation has centred around, ransomware, which holds a computer’s data ransom via encryption, demanding an amount of money be paid to prevent the data being deleted.

Ransomware is vicious and fast-spreading. A recent example, WannaCry, began infecting Windows computers in about 70 countries and in the short time since its discovery, the ransomware has spread to over 200,000 users in 150 countries. WannaCry demands $300 in bitcoin, holding a user’s data hostage.

With the threat of cyber-attacks looming, taking steps to keep your company secure is both incredibly important and easily achievable by following a few simple rules we have put together for National Fraud Awareness Week.

Keep your business afloat in an ocean of phishing
The threat:
Phishing is a malicious attempt by someone to gain a user’s information through communication like emails disguised as a trustworthy source. These fake emails and websites can be deceivingly realistic depictions of the entities they impersonate.

The solution:
One solution is to have your team check the email address and domain of any communication that’s unusual or claims to require their details. If an email seems suspicious, never download any attachment or click links. Sometimes domains and email addresses can be particularly misleading though, so to reduce the risk of getting a virus, try Norton Anti-Virus, which scans email attachments for known viruses.

Minimising password holders and third party postersThe threat:
Having too many people with access to your company’s social media, emails or online databases increases the risk of those passwords getting into the wrong hands and your security being compromised.

The solution:
Minimise the risk of your information and systems being put into the wrong hands. Have as few password holders in your team as possible and put in place a routine to regularly change passwords. It’s also important where possible to post your company’s social media, rather than entrust your accounts to a third party or website.

Keep your company informedThe threat:
Not knowing about an incoming threat can leave anybody open to attack. Most people don’t think twice about opening an email attachment or clicking through to a dangerous link because they aren’t expecting anything out of the ordinary – which can invite malware into your computer.

The solution:
In your business, keep people informed – if a security threat is detected, make sure that everyone in your company knows about it and how to combat it. Have proper plans in place to spread the message faster than the threat and keep communication channels open.

Back up your company filesThe problem:
We never think that we’ll be attacked online until it happens. Too often people are left without any way of getting their files without paying a ransom that will ultimately go towards targeting more people – and there is no assurance that the ransomware will even still release the files.

The solution:
Ensure you and your team always back up important files on an external hard drive or the cloud so that even if your data is held captive, you aren’t left without an option. Backing up regularly is essential to ensure you always have a plan B.

Lock the door to dangers on the internet with Anti-virusThe threat:
Even if you take every precaution above with vigilance, there are always risks involved. The most necessary way to mitigate the risk of your business being impacted by malware is to keep all doors to the danger locked.

The solution:
Get powerful security software protecting your computer and business around the clock – go further than just anti-virus. Comprehensive protection software such as Norton Anti-Virus could be the difference that keeps your business and information safe from attack.

You can help to keep your business protected by getting Norton Anti-Virus at the Optus Smart Shop.

* This article contains general ideas about ways to increase the cybersecurity of your business. If you need detailed information or advice that is specific to your organisation’s needs you should speak to a cybersecurity expert.